Geoeducational Value of Quarries Located Within the Malopolska Vistula River Gap (E Poland)

Formal and non-formal outdoor learning or field education is the most effective form of interpretation and promotion of geoheritage. Quarries make it possible to look back at the geological past of our planet, and, in many regions, they are the only places where we can observe the exposed bedrock. In E Poland, a considerable number of quarries are located within the area of the Malopolska Vistula River Gap. Herein, Upper Cretaceous, Palaeocene and Miocene marine rocks and Pleistocene sediments of varying origin were quarried. The location of quarries in the proximity of larger and smaller towns enables organising short school trips and conducting geography field classes. What is more, the importance of the town of Kazimierz Dolny, a popular tourist destination located in the northern part of the study area, provides opportunity for enriching the existing traditional tourism with offers of geotourism. In the study, the geoeducational value of 53 quarries was assessed by means of a method developed by the authors. This takes into account 20 criteria belonging to four groups of values (scientific, educational, tourist and functional). Additionally, significance was assessed from the perspective of three different audience groups (pupils, university students and non-specific tourists). The assessment made it possible to identify the spatial variation of the geoeducational potential of the quarries, as well as their strengths and weaknesses. Measures were also identified to be taken in the future in order to increase the currently limited use of the quarries for educational purposes.